skyrex

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Gear

  • Main Canopy Size
    50
  • Reserve Canopy Size
    150
  • AAD
    Cypres

Jump Profile

  • Home DZ
    West Plains
  • License
    D
  • License Number
    12209
  • Licensing Organization
    USPA
  • Number of Jumps
    1500
  • Years in Sport
    34
  • First Choice Discipline
    Formation Skydiving
  • Second Choice Discipline
    Freefall Photography

Ratings and Rigging

  • USPA Coach
    Yes
  • Pro Rating
    Yes
  1. I owned the Turbine 207 for 5 years. We flew to 12K AGL because we were taking off from a 2400 foot MSL airport. The 12K put us up to 14,500 MSL, technically above where pilots need to wear O2. Above 15MSL the passengers have to have it available. In hot weather, the density altitude at 14 is clear up to 17K and the plane has lost over half of its 420 sea level horse power and climbs weakly when loaded heavily w/ jumpers and fuel. From a low level airport it could more easily climb to 12 or 13K. But - for the jumpers the extra altitude is just a few seconds more freefall, but, much more time and expense to the operator. There's a huge difference between a super otter w/ two 750 hp engines (flat rated to 500)and the 420 in the 207. Just because its a turbine doesn't mean it has to fly to 13K for you. That was the early expectation from some jumpers here too. Now we've traded to a Caravan and again some think it MUST go to 13K as its a "Caravan". There's still the O2 issue, even if often overlooked and there certainly are more expenses to the operator. The turbine is quieter, faster and gets more people aloft in the same time, so take those benefits and sit down, buckle up and shut up. If you want the extra altitude why don't you offer to pay for it. Your drop zone is not an Eloy or Paris w/ a huge volume to make up some of the difference. Your lucky you have a local that would buy the better aircraft, but, the number of upjumpers at a small DZ don't keep it running or cover the extra expense. Celebrate the wonderful plane you get to ride in, offer to cover extra altitude or buy a plane ticket to Eloy every weekend to get 13K.
  2. Good location w/ good crowd of folks eager to enjoy all aspects of skydiving. We've had a reduction in instructor staff and really need some help to keep this DZ growing and going. Close drive to Spokane, WA and yet has many amenities close to DZ, ie food, motel,lakes,etc.